How Thursday at Comic-Con 2018 unfolded in San Diego

Luis Ramos, left, of San Diego takes a picture of his son Alek, 6, third from right, and daughter Anabel, 11, second from right, and their friends Emiliano Beltran, 12, fourth from right, and Isabel Beltran, 10, before Preview Night at 2018 Comic-Con International. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

It was the first official day of San Diego Comic-Con 2018, and fans of comic books, television, film and other popular arts were delighted by the surprises that the annual convention is known to produce.

The fantasy world created at the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding streets was bursting with industry news and other magical moments just blocks from our downtown newsroom. The San Diego Union-Tribune is bringing you up close to all things Comic-Con over the four days of the event.

Here’s a look at what went down on Thursday.

5:03 p.m.: Stan Lee says hello.

The comic book legend, who has had a difficult year, says this is one of the first time he's missed Comic-Con in years, but he still wanted to make an appearance via social media.

3:15 p.m.: 5 takeaways from the DC Comics panel

A new adult-themed imprint called “Black Label” that will be outside of the normal continuity of its comic books

Two young adult lines called DC Ink and DC Zoom

DC Universe, the company’s new streaming service, will include original TV shows and classic DC movies

Image Comics co-founder Marc Silvestri announcing he would write and draw a Batman and Joker team-up book

An award from the Guinness Book of World Records for publishing the longest-running superhero comic book

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” was canceled in 2013 and fans found out at Comic-Con that it’s back for 12 more episodes that will be available on Disney’s new streaming service.

12:09 p.m.: ‘Charmed’ reboot takes the stage in Ballroom 20.

Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery and Madeleine Mantock discuss ‘Charmed’ ahead of the show’s 20th anniversary this fall and its upcoming reboot. Executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman said it’s the perfect time to bring back a show about “female empowerment and women kicking butt.” Read more about the panel here.

“Doctor Who” also offers a first look at the upcoming season and its new cast. The thirteenth Doctor (Whittaker) is joined by her new friends Ryan Sinclair (played by Tosin Cole), Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill) and Graham O’Brien (Bradley Walsh).

11:35 a.m.: ‘Predator’ revealed.

The all-star cast of 20th Century Fox’s upcoming film “The Predator” takes to Hall H and co-writer Shane Black describes his film as the “dirty half-dozen” and “leaner and meaner” than the original from 1987. “The Predator” will premiere in theaters nationwide on Sept. 14.